Is anyone currently at the Waldorf school?

[Anonymous]

I would really appreciate current experience. Our last child in school would greatly benefit from zero technology, so we are willing to make major sacrifices to downsize and change our lifestyle in order to afford the Waldorf school. I would like to know if it’s worth the price tag and if there are any negatives/downsides whatsoever. Thank you so much.

[Anonymous]

I'd research anthroposophy and make sure you feel comfortable with it.

[Anonymous]

I did some research and we did a visit.

In fairness, we are pretty tech-heavy family, so that would have been an inconsistent value on our part. We also were a family who loved characters (Snoopy, Scooby Doo, Mickey Mouse...) and pro sports. The dress code of only clothes that were plain (stripes are OK, letters and numbers were not) would have been a miss.

Our kid was in around grade 2. Reading was an area of strength. Fine motor skills an area of weakness.

When I spoke to a teacher at an Open House, she explained part of the philosophy, and whispered it so my child would not hear it. The secrecy didn't sit so well with me. They angels in a setting that was not really a Church, but had elements of a Church...for me was triggering some religious trauma.

So, I would have felt bad about skipping so many things outside of school to afford a school that was not a match for us = why we passed on that option.

Other friends of mine loved it but they had a more bohemian approach to parenting/life. The staff seemed lovely and the kids were engaged.

[Anonymous]

Most classical Christian schools are also no tech, and cheaper. You don’t have to be Christian to go, similar to how non Catholic kids attend Catholic.

[Anonymous]

The real question should be is it a good fit for your child….have you visited? We went and it was a big NO for us. My kid said they got a weird vibe. Then I looked up the history.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The real question should be is it a good fit for your child….have you visited? We went and it was a big NO for us. My kid said they got a weird vibe. Then I looked up the history.

For sure. Don't make big changes in your family life to fit in to a school.

Keep your televisions.

If your kid has a screen addiction, don't enroll in a screen free school.

Address it with a counselor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The real question should be is it a good fit for your child….have you visited? We went and it was a big NO for us. My kid said they got a weird vibe. Then I looked up the history.

same and same

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The real question should be is it a good fit for your child….have you visited? We went and it was a big NO for us. My kid said they got a weird vibe. Then I looked up the history.

What's the history? Are you talking about the school on Sangamore?

[Anonymous]

It’s a good concept, but zero consequences if your kid does not do the work. Lots of Waldorf kids are not ready for real life after graduation.

[Anonymous]

Is it a boy? Have you visited The Heights?
We loved Acorn Hill and knew families at WWS. I think it’s a nice place. Yes, different. See if it feels like a good fit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did some research and we did a visit.

In fairness, we are pretty tech-heavy family, so that would have been an inconsistent value on our part. We also were a family who loved characters (Snoopy, Scooby Doo, Mickey Mouse...) and pro sports. The dress code of only clothes that were plain (stripes are OK, letters and numbers were not) would have been a miss.

Our kid was in around grade 2. Reading was an area of strength. Fine motor skills an area of weakness.

When I spoke to a teacher at an Open House, she explained part of the philosophy, and whispered it so my child would not hear it. The secrecy didn't sit so well with me. They angels in a setting that was not really a Church, but had elements of a Church...for me was triggering some religious trauma.

So, I would have felt bad about skipping so many things outside of school to afford a school that was not a match for us = why we passed on that option.

Other friends of mine loved it but they had a more bohemian approach to parenting/life. The staff seemed lovely and the kids were engaged.

I get not wanting to be around the weird theology but I'm surprised that giving up character and sports team merch on weekdays would factor into your concerns.

[Anonymous]

Waldorf is sort of a Victorian fake culture idealizing an imaginary pure childhood. There's all these made up rituals and they're oddly controlling about things like what the kids draw in art class. It's not always a good fit for people who want no screens. Your child might not be compliant enough, even without screens. They really, really love compliance. It's not the place for a kid with behavior issues.

If you like crunchy high end art supplies though, they're the best! I love the special way the walls are painted as well.

[Anonymous]

How old is your kid? After a certain age if you transfer them in, they'll reject all the fairy stuff and it won't go well. Especially if they're science-y by nature.

[Anonymous]

My boy is 11.
-OP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How old is your kid? After a certain age if you transfer them in, they'll reject all the fairy stuff and it won't go well. Especially if they're science-y by nature.

This. And if your child is used to academic rigor, foregoing that to spend a lot of time drawing and doing eurythmics is going to seem strange to him.